European Central Bank (ECB)
Trichet testifies before European Parliament
In testimony before the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament given on 1 December Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said since Wim Duisenberg's last testimony in September data have confirmed the ECB's main scenario, which is…
Trichet: ECB monetary policy strategy after May 03
In a speech on 'The ECB's monetary policy strategy after the evaluation and clarification of May 2003' given on 27 November, Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said EMU is based on the conviction that Europe can derive strong benefits from a "culture of…
ECB's Tumpel-Gugerell on capital markets in Europe
In a speech on 'ECB-CFS Research Network on capital markets and financial integration in Europe' given on 21 November Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell of the ECB said the ECB clearly supports the view expressed among others by the Lamfalussy Committee of Wise…
ECB statement on ECOFIN budget conclusions
Statement of the European Central Bank Governing Council on the ECOFIN Council conclusions regarding the correction of excessive deficits in France and Germany, 25 November. The ECB's press release warns: "The Conclusions adopted by the ECOFIN Council…
Italy wants ECB chiefs chosen by majority
Italy, the current holder of the EU presidency, has made a proposal to change the way top officials at the European Central Bank are appointed, Reuters said. A draft compromise circulated to EU member states said the ECB's six top officials should be…
Trichet on the ECB's monetary policy strategy
In a speech on 'The ECB's monetary policy strategy after the evaluation and clarification of May 2003' given on 20 November, Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said in the field of fiscal policies the arguments in favour of the Stability and Growth Pact are…
Trichet on Europe at the crossroads
In a speech on 'Europe at the crossroads' given on 20 November, Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said the euro has become a strong symbol of Europe. It makes the world "identify Europe" and helps Europeans to identify with Europe. I am grateful, Trichet…
ECB's Papademos on European monetary policy
In a speech on 'Challenges for monetary policy in Europe' given on 13 November, Lucas Papademos of the ECB quoted from the American writer Joshua J. Marine: "Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." In…
Reinventing euro-area central banks
Central banks of the euro area have the challenge of redefining their national roles. Maxwell Watson suggests approaches that build on their existing authority and expertise.
The Duisenberg years
Is the ECB's reputation in the markets for poor communication of a poor strategy justified? Charles Wyplosz reflects on Wim Duisenberg's time as president.
How will Trichet speak?
Staff writer Benedict Mander contemplates the outlook for Jean-Claude Trichet's eight-year term as president of the ECB from the point of view of the public relations challenges he faces.
ECB's Solans on changeover to the euro currency
In a speech on 'The changeover to the euro currency' given on 13 November, Eugenio Domingo Solans of the ECB said based on the positive experience we have so far made with the euro and its smooth introduction, we can be confident that we will cope with…
ECB Monthly Bulletin, November 2003
The European Central Bank published its November 2003 Monthly Bulletin on 13 November. This issue of the Monthly Bulletin contains three articles. The first reviews the main developments in the debt financing of the euro area private sector over recent…
Tumpel-Gugerell: Institutions in Financial System
In the speech 'The Role of Institutions in the Financial System' given on 11 November Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell of the ECB said an integrated European supervisory framework enhances the ability to react quickly, effectively and more transparently to any…
ECB press conference with questions and answers
At his first press conference since taking over from Wim Duisenberg, Jean-Claude Trichet said on 6 November that the stability and growth pact provided "an appropriate framework" for ensuring fiscal discipline. He said the budget deficit limit of 3 per…
Trichet warns EU over budget deficits
Jean-Claude Trichet issued a stern warning on 6 November to both eurozone governments and the EU Commission in Brussels that meddling with the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact would put the overall credibility of monetary union and economic…
Trichet rings in new era at ECB with rates on hold
The ECB left its main refinancing rate steady at 2 percent at its 6 November meeting with Jean-Claude Trichet attending his first meeting as president of the euro-zone central bank, AFP reported.
ECB: No forced redundancies with IT restructuring
The ECB has responded to claims by the Union of the Staff of the European Central Bank that 40 or more staff could be made redundant by restructuring measures in the IT department. The Bank said in a statement, AFX reported, "If some functions are…
Tumpel-Gugerell: Welcoming the new Member States
In the speech 'Welcoming the new Member States' given on 3 November Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell of the ECB said that the first few years of enlargement will be formative years for the European Union and for its Member States. By completing the accession…
Issing on monetary policy in uncharted territory
In the speech 'Monetary policy in uncharted territory' given on 3 November Otmar Issing of the ECB said theoretical insights and central banking experience are both fundamental components of good monetary policy making, but especially so at the time of…
European Central Bank has new chief
Jean-Claude Trichet began his Presidency of the European Central Bank with a congratulatory address at a commemorative ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the Bank of Greece in Athens on Monday, reports United Press International.
ECB's Duisenberg speaks at special ECOFIN dinner
At a special ECOFIN dinner to pay tribute to his leadership on 29 October Wim Duisenberg of the ECB said the challenges for EMU over the next five years are every bit as great as those already faced. I am fortunate enough not to have to deal with them,…
Issing: Europe & the US - New paths for the future
In the speech 'Europe and the US: Partners and Competitors - New paths for the future' given on 28 October Otmar Issing of the ECB said we at the European Central Bank are very much aware of our responsibilities in a world characterised by close trade…
ECBs Tumpel-Gugerell: euro in cen & eastern Europe
In a speech on 'The euro in central and eastern Europe' given on 27 October, Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell of the European Central Bank said integration into the monetary union represents a key step towards full economic integration within the EU and has the…